Terrorism 'fractured' as right-wing extremism in Yorkshire region overtakes Islamist referrals

An investigation by The Yorkshire Post has been examining the current state of terrorism in the region and the fight against it, finding how neo-Nazis are creating secret 'bubble' groups on encrypted messaging platforms to converse.

You can read the full investigation here.

Experts and data suggest that extremism no longer occupies one of two sides between the extreme-right and radical-Islamist camps, with the growing emergence of other types of extremism in the region.

Detectives say the number of referrals to counter-terror strategy Prevent over suspected right-wing extremists have now overtaken those from Daesh-style threats, although the greatest terror threat to the country is still from Islamic-fundamentalists.

A woman whose former partner was a member of neo-Nazi terrorist organisation National Action has said extremism is "right under our noses" in Yorkshire, shedding light on how members interact.

Meanwhile, a covert detective with the North East Counter-terrorism Unit, which covers Yorkshire & the Humber, has answered questions about his job and warned that online gaming platforms are being increasingly used by extremists looking to radicalise young people.

The findings come as West Yorkshire Police reveal the investigation into how Jo Cox's murderer acquired the shotgun used to kill her has officially gone cold.

Research by charity Hope Not Hate last month revealed a new neo-Nazi group called The British Hand, which was being run by a teenager based in the Midlands.

Despite this, community-driven projects are playing a key role in the long-term prevention of isolation, hatred and extremism, according to Mrs Cox's sister.

Kim Leadbeater, who is ambassador for the Jo Cox Foundation, said extremists "will find you a home" and "give you a sense of identity" that vulnerable people may feel they are lacking, adding: "We need to make sure our young people have that sense of belonging."